thinking used tacoma..needing information

Looking at used Tacoma's in central Ohio. I have a Dodge Dakota 2005 2 WD with 143,000 miles. I am starting to see rust issues and thinking it is time for a different truck. I have owned it since Feb 2008 when it had 6500 miles.

Thinking 2010 and newer. Not sure if I would go 4 WD this time. Looking for information on years and or mileage levels to avoid. Or which ones would be a must look at. It would have to have some kind of tow package and likely a 6 cylinder. I like the looks of TRD trim.

Thanks for any information!

Doug

 

2010 or newer gets you out of the majority of frame rust issues. But being a fellow Ohio driver, frame condition is huge. 4x4 is very convenient but not a true necessity. These trucks are very capable in just 2wd. Look for TRD Pro's or sport's. Someone correct me if i'm wrong but I believe 2012 is the refreshed look. Don't worry about high mileage. Just be cautious with something older with very low mileage. I.E. 2010 with 24k miles.

Start searching around on the forums and you'll find a ton of information on these trucks.

 

I guess one question is. Did you ever once wished you had 4wd while you owned your Dakota?
If you did, then get a 4wd.
Better to have it and not need it. Then need it and not have it!
I feel it's better to have a truck that's been driven. Than a truck that's spent a lot of time sitting. Sitting is hard on vehicles too. Sometimes it can be harder.

I bought my 2012 Double Cab Short Box just over a year ago. It had (129,000kms) or 80,000 miles on it. That's nothing. These things can run forever.

Just make sure you first decide on what you want to get, and start searching from there. You don't want to habe regrets after its yours because you settled for that great deal that you came across.
Beware of frame rust issues. I think that applies to every vehicle where they dump a billion tons in salt on the road for 6 months a year. But earlier 2nd gens have that issue involving their frames. So inspect.. inspect..inspect!
Confirm that the truck you are looking at is legit, and not misbadged for something that it's not..ie someone putting TRD stickers on a truck that's not. Check the VIN..
Maintenance during its previous ownership is important with any vehicle really. See if you can confirm. what has and hasn't been done.
I can go on and on. But when you decide exactly what you want. Search for any issues or concerns with the year and options.

Good luck and Welcome to TW

Keep us posted.

 

I would stay in the 2010-2015 ( gen 2) range myself. They have the 4.0 V6 not the 3.5 v6 of the newer gen 3's. I have a 2015 TRD Sport 4x4 with the 4.0 and if you tried to give me a brand new 2019 for it I would turn it down. I guess it depends on what you plan on doing with the truck. I use mine for huntin and pull a bass boat 3 or 4 days a week. If its just a daily driver you might be ok with a gen 3.

 

I believe 2012 had some emission pump issues, but other years from 2010 on up are good. I live near Wooster, Ohio. Make sure you check for rust on frame by both cat converters. Two wheel drives are a lot cheaper than 4wd. Tacoma aren't cheap, if the price seams to low compared to similar trucks, be highly suspicious. There are no free meals at the taco wagon. Watch out for flooded trucks brought back to life.
The drivers door arm rest is known to crack under the padding, not a big deal, just a bargaining chip on the price. Check all the electrical systems, make sure all the buttons work on the steering wheel, make sure all the speeds work on the heater fan. If the truck is lifted, find out what kind of lift, how much . Spacer lifts are not held in high regard on this forum. Check for funky tire wear patterns, lifts can cause alignment problems.
Most used tacos sit a little lower on the drivers side when you look from the back of the truck. This is normal from the battery, gas tank and driver all being on that side. Welcome, and good luck

 

I’m suprized living in OH you aren’t adimate you want 4WD.
I won’t buy a truck without it.


You can check for frame rust but... what does it matter? You live in OH. Your frame is going to rust. Fact of life.
The 2011-2015s should have a frame replacement program down the road like all other trucks.
To me that is not a reason to not buy the truck.

 

I have a 15 sport 4wd with 101xxx miles on it. No issues cept self induced ones hasn’t left me stranded. Stock I was avg 18-20mpg now with a bunch of stuff 14-15.
Imho the 4.0 has enough power an it’s comfy enough for long trips. So far best truck I’ve ever had the pleasure to own.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. This is a great forum with fast replies.

Wow!

I will keep you posted.

 

Be extra careful if the frame is undercoated with the black rubbery stuff and looks fairly clean.

Could be lipstick on a pig.

Personally I'd look for a '13-'15 SR5 Access Cab 4wd. But that's just me. You might like more OE gizmos.

 

Update...Still looking and finally able to drive some used Tacomas last week. I drove 3 - 2015 or 2017 with double doors, 6 cylinder, ride really nice. I have
been searching for used 2010-2017 Tacomas online. I am now settled on getting 4x4. I was thinking I wanted Access cab but those vehicle numbers are severely less than the double doors. New is out as I am trying to keep initial outlay lower than new would be.

Some questions. I am using autotrader.com; cars.com; and cargurus.com for searches. I notice quite a few times that the description will say TRD Sport or TRD
Pro. Yet, the pictures don't display those words at the rear of the bed.
1. How do I tell by looking at the truck if is a Sport or Pro when the bed does not show those words?
2. In reading some threads, I see to run a vehicle inquiry report with the parts department. Is such a report only going to be available at Toyota dealers?

It makes me think I would only want to buy used vehicles from Toyota dealers. Still looking.

Thanks for any help as well as your prior comments!

Doug

 

It can be hard to tell with the mods that many of us do to our trucks. Generally, the Sport will have a hood scoop. The Pro will have the Pro grill and the TRD Pro black wheels. To my first point however, many folks add the Pro grill and wheels to their TRD Sports.

 

A sport will have a hood scoop. An off road will have an electric locking rear end (button in cab). From the factory an offroad will also have yellow and blue bilstein shocks

 

Doing price comparisons with Pro, Sport, and Off-road. Am I seeing things correctly that similar miles and model year that the
Sport would be the most expensive of the three? Again this would be for used Tacomas 2012-12015?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

I see the information below on a 2010 Tacoma currently for sale (copy and paste from carfax) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Is this some kind of rust
fix on this truck? Is this something to avoid when I see this on the carfax?

Is this model year and or others something to avoid?

Thanks!

Doug

+++++++++++++


08/28/2017 Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Manufacturer Service Campaign issued
Campaign #H0F LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN H0F -
REMEDY NOTICE CERTAIN 2005 - 2010 MODEL YEAR
TACOMA CERTAIN 2007 - 2008 MODEL YEAR TUNDRA
CERTAIN 2005 - 2008 MODEL YEAR SEQUOIA FRAME
CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION
Status: Remedy Available
Campaign expiration date: 05/21/2019

Locate an authorized Toyota dealer near you to schedule an appointment

 

Welcome Doug.
Don’t hesitate to look on the forum for a rig. Guys/Gals sell nice pre-owned stuff here.
Also chime in on your regional forum and ask and see if someone local has anything available.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...see-thrown-in-for-good-measure-thread.398744/
Good luck with your search.

 

I have been doing searches on www.cars.com. There was a central Ohio 2009 with 28K miles. It caught my eye for a few moments. Then I looked at the carfax. Truck sat for nearly two years
with less than 60 miles. Oil changes done at both intervals.

 

Yeah that one would scare me after sitting so long. A lot of moisture collecting underneath and rotting out everything (unless garage kept)

 

Justin, stupid question about your avatar. I am just a beginner with no Tacoma in the garage yet, be easy on me.

What does the "DCSB" stand for in your avatar?

 

Low mile 2015

 

DCSB - double cab short bed

All good advice. Like every truck it has some quirks. I completely agree with everyone about model years, check the frame, find something with service records if you can. Obviously you're buying a truck with the miles and age that will need fluids changed and maybe shocks or tires. Get one with the tow package from the factory. Become a part of Tacomaworld and let us help you spend your money!